Purple can be a tricky colour. Try it on your eyelids without proper blending, and you risk looking like you’ve gone a few rounds in the boxing ring.
Move it to your wardrobe, however, and the tables turn completely.
Rocking a rich purple ensemble instantly makes you the main character, bringing a fearless, striking and effortlessly chic energy to the room.
Long associated with royalty in certain cultures since ancient times, this majestic shade has the power to command attention and bring an entire look to life.
After all, it’s also said to be the symbol of wealth and power. Plus, it brings an instant pop of modern artistry to your look that basic neutrals just can’t.
It’s no surprise designers are leaning heavily into the shade, making it one of the season’s most coveted colour across the Autumn/Winter 2026 runways.
Read more: Fashionably bookish: Designers continue to embrace a polished, intellectual look
What makes it even more interesting is, in some collections, the colour is paired with other shades and even prints to make the entire look a combination that is surprisingly cohesive.
For instance, Prada’s purple single-button coat is worn over a striking red T-shirt.
It has to be said that, despite both tones being bold choices, the pairing actually works remarkably well.
Not forgetting the aforementioned coat, complete with a matching hat. Now, that’s double the purple power.
Italian label Valentino marries a pair of purple track pants with a lilac sweater and topped off with a golden yellow-and-black leopard print coat.
The sporty and unexpected ensemble is finished off with a baseball cap and formal leather shoes. What a wildly fun styling choice.
Practical and versatile, Uniqlo’s new Milano ribbed zip-up cardigan is one of the highlights of the season.
Part of the Japanese label’s line by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the dark purple piece has a relaxed cut that makes it an easy throw-on layer.
Designed around the theme “precision of softness”, what makes the unisex creation stylish is the contrasting white zipper, which gives it a graphic edge.
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Not so much a classic as a definite showstopper, Dior’s dazzling tank top in purple sequins delivers a rock star flair in the vein of David Bowie or Lenny Kravitz.
The sleeveless, shimmering piece perfectly offsets a pair of faded jeans, cinched with the French label’s sought-after black belt featuring an oval gold buckle.
Complementing the glam-rock look are snakeskin boots and a grey messenger bag. It’s a sleek, contemporary take on 1970s style.
At Miu Miu, the purple trend gets a plush update via a single-button coat lined in brown fur, with a pink crew-neck sweater peeking out from underneath. The look is complemented with a fur bag and sequinned sneakers.
From Tod’s comes a beautifully tailored coat in a rich, brown-toned aubergine shade.
Designed with generous lapels, concealed buttons and flap pockets, the outerwear is fastened with a thin leather belt.
Rather than being buckled normally, it’s casually knotted at the waist, giving the silhouette a nonchalantly chic finish. What a clever twist!
